TRAVEL MIAMI TO KEY WEST: ALL THE BEST WAYS TO GET FROM MIAMI TO KEY WEST

If you’re wondering what’s the best way to travel Miami to Key West, here’s a blog post that can help you out!

This is one of the most popular routes in Florida, since plenty of visitors from Miami want to go and see the charming Key West. There are several options you can use, from driving yourself, to flying or getting a shuttle. We’ve tried a few of them, so this is my guide to the best ways to travel Miami to Key West!

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WHY VISIT KEY WEST FROM MIAMI

If you’re wondering if it’s even worth going to Key West from Miami, the answer is absolutely yes. Key West is only about 160 miles from Miami, so it’s really not that far. It’s also the southernmost point in the continental U.S. and one of the most popular day trips or weekend getaways from South Florida.

It would be a shame to skip it. The journey itself is stunning no matter which option you choose, and once you arrive you’ll find a charming island full of great food, fascinating historical landmarks, and surrounded by crystal-clear waters. Honestly, I’d even say Key West might impress you more than Miami!

BEST WAYS TO GET FROM MIAMI TO KEY WEST

There are a few ways you can choose from when traveling from Miami to Key West. Our personal favorite is driving, but there are definitely other great options too. Here’s a quick overview!

BY CAR: DRIVE FROM MIAMI TO KEY WEST

I can’t recommend enough renting a car and driving from Miami to Key West yourself. This is the option we usually go for. The drive is about 165 miles along the famous Overseas Highway, and it’s absolutely stunning. Honestly, you haven’t seen a road like this before. Without stops, it takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours, but if you have the time, I’d definitely make it a full-day road trip with plenty of stops along the way.

This route includes 42 bridges, including the iconic Seven Mile Bridge, plus endless ocean views on both sides of the road. I’ve actually written a full Miami to Key West road trip guide with all the best stops along the way. But if you can only make one stop, I’d suggest Bahia Honda State Park. It’s gorgeous, and you can swim right beneath the old 7-mile bridge. The only downside of driving is that parking in Key West can be tricky and expensive, so you’ll likely need to pay for parking at your hotel.

BY BUS: TAKE A SHUTTLE OR BUS TO KEY WEST

If you don’t feel like driving, taking a bus or shuttle from Miami to Key West is another really good option. It’s not as flexible as driving, but it’s super easy and stress-free. You can go for budget-friendly buses like Greyhound or FlixBus, or book a private shuttle that’s a bit faster and more comfortable, often with Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and flexible pick-up and drop-off.

The ride does take a little longer than driving yourself, but the bonus is that the bus or shuttle still travels along the scenic Overseas Highway. That means you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful ocean views without worrying about traffic or parking once you arrive. Since you don’t need a car to get around in Key West, this is a really convenient and relaxing choice.

BY PLANE: FLY FROM MIAMI TO KEY WEST

If you’re feeling fancy, have the budget, and don’t want to spend hours on the road, flying from Miami to Key West is a great option. It’s definitely the fastest way to reach the island, with flights taking just about 1 hour. Airlines like American Airlines and Silver Airways operate daily nonstop flights between Miami International Airport and Key West International Airport, so you’ll easily find a flight that works for you.

Of course, you’ll miss out on the scenic drive down the Overseas Highway, but the trade-off is stunning aerial views of the Florida Keys during takeoff and landing. It’s quick, comfortable, and the best choice if you want to maximize your time in Key West.

BY TOUR: BOOK A PRIVATE TOUR OR TRANSFER TO KEY WEST

If you’re someone who loves a more personalized and stress-free experience, you should book a private transfer or guided tour from Miami to Key West. These services usually pick you up right from your hotel in Miami and drive you down in a comfortable vehicle, often with a knowledgeable driver who can share tips and even stop at scenic spots along the way.

It’s a great option if you don’t want to rent a car but still want the flexibility of stopping whenever you’d like. Private transfers and tours are especially ideal for couples, families, or groups, since you can sit back, relax, enjoy the drive, and not worry about navigation, parking, or schedules.

TRAVEL MIAMI TO KEY WEST: CONCLUSION

All the options to travel from Miami to Key West are great, but I personally recommend driving. The Overseas Highway is such a unique experience, and you’ll miss out on a lot of the fun stops and views with other options (except maybe a private transfer, though that’s usually more expensive). That being said, no matter how you decide to get from Miami to Key West, the important thing is that you go because Key West is an absolute gem!